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In order to achieve a good score such as 8 or above in IELTS, candidates need to overcome various obstacles. However, a major point is how long IELTS scores remain valid. Can we improve our scores if we desire?
As far as the IELTS scores are concerned, they are actually not valid forever. This blog will explain about validity of these scores in detail and how that has an effect on immigration, admissions in universities, and even registration of work permits.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is recognized internationally as a perfect pathway to check English language proficiency. Candidates who are applying for admission into universities, work permits, or aiming for a visa, need to demonstrate their English language skills to the utmost extent via IELTS.
As far as an IELTS scorecard matters, its focus is to display a candidate’s results related to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. It evaluates and provides feedback on a candidate’s performance in all four areas of the test; comprising of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
IELTS scores are showcased on a scale comprising of 0 to 9 bands. Further, in this exam, 9 is the highest band score and the person who touches this landmark is characterized as a ‘proficient’ English user. If scores are lower, it shows that skills of a candidate are not sufficient enough to succeed in this exam. One highly important part to understand is that various English-speaking nations have different sorts of requirements regarding IELTS scores, which constitute of both sectional and overall scores. Let us discuss more about it in this blog.
IELTS scores validity consists of two years which range from the date of the test’s result. Candidates who are taking the exam online can expect results to arrive within 3-5 days. As far as the offline test matters, it might take up to 13 days to get a result.
As discussed above, the scores are relevant for two years and now let’s try to gain more information how this validity varies across countries and institutions.
The validity of the IELTS exam’s Test Report Form (TRF) is most of the times the same throughout the globe, which continues for two years from the date of the test. Additionally, different institutions or organizations might have various policies connected with the acceptance of expired scores and the validity of the IELTS exam.
IELTS validity in India and other countries of Asia Pacific is also two years worldwide, which is calculated from the date of the test. However, if you are applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI), two or more TRFs can be released if proof of application is provided.
Let us check the IELTS score validity for several nations in the below-mentioned table.
| Australia | 2 Years mostly; but in the case of Skilled Migration Applications 3 years |
| Canada | 2 Years |
| UK | 2 Years |
| New Zealand | 2 Years |
| USA | 2 Years |
| Singapore | 2 Years |
| Ireland | 2 Years |
| France | 2 Years |
Importance of IELTS Score Validity for University Admission, Immigration, and Professional Registration
IELTS test scores are important to evaluate the English language proficiency of candidates and for academic achievements in English-speaking universities.
An IELTS scorecard’s validity is highly prominent as far as university admissions matter and most institutions ask for scores that are not more than two years old.
When a candidate applies for residency or visa in an English-speaking country, the importance of the IELTS scorecard’s validity increases a lot. Immigration authorities demand recent and valid IELTS scores as proof of the English language skills of candidates.
In some cases, working professionals are required to submit their IELTS scores as part of their professional registration or licensing requirements. Candidates need to make perfect strategies for their tests so that their scores remain valid while submission of their applications.
For those candidates who aim to utilize the validity of their IELTS scorecard completely, it is advised that they should take the IELTS exam nearly two years before intending to file applications. This is highly important to have sufficient time for preparation or retakes apart from taking care of the fact that the relevancy of your scores remains intact for the duration needed by your target institutions or companies.
Let us go through some details that are important to optimize the validity of the IELTS exam.
1. Deadlines for research-related application:
Candidates have to take care of application deadlines for various universities, immigration programs or various other organisations where they aim to submit their IELTS scores.
2. Work according to a planned strategy:
You need to calculate the latest date by which the IELTS exam has to be undertaken in order to cater to these deadlines while keeping in mind the two-year validity period related to IELTS scores. Apart from that, aspirants also need to check if they are eligible for IELTS, constituting of factors such as age, nationality, and qualifications.
3. Manage preparation time:
Candidates need to provide proper time for preparation of IELTS. This time period could be from some weeks to various months; and will depend on your current English proficiency standards apart from your target score.
4. Keep the option of retakes:
If you can’t achieve a perfect IELTS result on your first attempt, you should keep the option of retaking the exam alive. As a result, you might need extra time for harder preparation and will have to wait for the next test dates.
5. Availability of test dates:
You should check whether or not IELTS test dates are available at your favourite test centers or not and need to register for a date that can be streamlined with your busy schedule.
6. Early submission of IELTS test application:
Candidates need to secure their IELTS test date well in advance in order to avoid last-minute complications/problems.
7. Complete preparation of the IELTS test
Proper preparation is highly necessary as far as taking the IELTS exam matters in order to achieve your desired scores. In order to succeed in this exam with flying colours, candidates should consider enrolling with WayUp Abroad Consultants for IELTS preparation via offline or online mode. It’s highly significant to understand the IELTS exam pattern, check out sample papers, and practice with certified tutors to achieve one’s desired score.
In conclusion, it can be reiterated that it’s necessary to understand the validity of IELTS scores while planning your academics or career. You need to keep the aforementioned strategies in mind to take care of the fact that your IELTS scores are perfect and remain relevant for your purpose.
The highly professional structure atWayupabroad.comoffers impeccable training resources, and personalised coaching, apart from proper counselling to support you in achieving perfect scores in the IELTS examination.
Our Certified trainers will offer you exceptional strategies that will help upgrade your English language skills and enhance your chances of success.
Question 1 - What is the validity of IELTS scores?
The IELTS scores remain valid for two years since the day you receive your IELTS test results.
Question 2 - Are IELTS scores accepted by universities once they expire?
No, that is not possible at any cost. Most of the universities will ask for IELTS scores which are not more than two years old when a candidate tries to apply for admission.
Question 3 - Is it possible to use expired IELTS scores for immigration purposes?
Most of the time immigration authorities ask for IELTS scores whose validity is intact. As a result, a candidate needs to understand their specific needs and should check IELTS validity on government sites of various countries before applying.
Question 4 - Is there any method that can extend the validity of IELTS scores?
Actually, there is no way in which the validity of IELTS scores can be extended. However, you can try to utilize it properly as discussed in the above-mentioned paragraphs.
Question 5 - What sorts of options are available for me if my IELTS scores expire before I apply for a visa?
In a scenario where your IELTS scores become invalid before your visa application date, you might have to retake the test to earn updated scores.
Question 6 - Does IELTS scores’ validity differ across various countries?
This is not the case as the validity period of IELTS test scores is usually the same worldwide; that lasts for two years from the date of results.
Question 7 - Do candidates have the option to retake the IELTS exam before the expiry of their scores?
Yes, candidates have the option to take the IELTS exam numerous times if they need to meet new requirements or aim to enhance their scores.
Question 8 - Does the validity of IELTS scores remain if candidates take the test again?
Yes, the new IELTS scores will remain completely valid for two years from the date of the most recent exam.
Question 9 - Are IELTS scores accepted by professional firms regarding registration purposes?
As far as professional organizations are concerned, they require recent and valid IELTS scores for registration.
Question 10 - How can aspirants check the validity period of their IELTS scores?
Aspirants can check the validity period of their IELTS scores by referring to the date when they received their TRF score card. The IELTS scorecard’s validity continues for two years from the date when candidates receive their results.
